How to stretch uncomfortable shoes: professional and folk methods. A few easy ways to stretch your shoes at home

14.09.2019

Often, a pair of shoes that seemed comfortable when they first tried it on in the store turns out to be tight and stiff.

How to stretch your shoes at home?

Consider several simple, affordable, and most importantly safe methods.

Stretching shoes at home: is it possible?

It is impossible to let things go by themselves, because tight shoes are not only uncomfortable, but also harmful to health. After the first hours of wearing, wait for the appearance of calluses, corns and pain in the legs. Of course, in most cases, unsuitable shoes can be returned to the store. But it is important to have time to do this before the expiration of the warranty period. In addition, if you had time to walk down the street in a new thing, then it will not be easy to return it.

Models made from natural materials lend themselves well to stretching. With artificial materials, the situation is more complicated, but you can experiment with them. Rubber and fabric shoes are not stretchable. The first material is too hard, and the second, after stretching, will immediately lose its presentable appearance. It also doesn't make sense to stretch a shoe that is obviously small. Any pair can be increased by no more than half the size.

How to stretch shoes at home: methods

Among the mass of ways to stretch shoes, the simplest and at the same time known is the usual wearing around the house. It is enough to walk around the house in a new dress instead of house slippers for a while. In the first days, new shoes are worn for 2-3 hours a day. But one should not forget about health, especially if such wearing brings tangible discomfort. In this case, one of the following methods will help you.

Alcohol treatment... Moisten the inside of your shoes with rubbing alcohol (vodka and cologne are also fine). Then immediately put on your shoes and walk around the room until they are sufficiently stretched. You can also use a simple stretching cocktail. Stir in equal proportions of alcohol and water. Use a spray bottle to spray the solution onto the shoes. Then put it on and walk in it for at least 20 minutes. The solution is considered to be more gentle, which means that it can be used even for patent leather boots.

Never use alcohol on suede shoes. It will immediately deteriorate. Therefore, some craftsmen recommend replacing alcohol with beer. But this eccentric method, if not stained, will give the shoe a very distinct scent.

Boiling water treatment... Pour hot water over the shoes, this should soften the skin. It is important not to overdo it. Walk around in your shoes until they get the shape you want. Many even prefer water to alcohol. But this method is only suitable for thick leather products that can easily withstand high temperatures. It is better not to subject patent leather or even leatherette to such tests.

A more gentle method is to soak a rag in hot water and wipe the inside of the shoe with it. For greater safety, it is better not to allow a large amount of water to get inside, because the liquid can easily deform the leather insoles.

Even rubber shoes can be stretched with boiling water. True, only if it is made of polyvinyl chloride. To soften such boots, you need to pour boiling water into them. When the water cools down, you need to drain it and quickly put on your boots. After a few minutes, climb into a basin of cold water in your boots and wait a few minutes until the shoes take the required shape.

Steam... This is a very good tool for stretching genuine leather products. Bring your shoes to a boiling kettle and keep them over the steam for a few minutes. You need to remove your shoes when droplets of moisture appear on the skin. Then put on toe shoes and walk in them for at least an hour.

Wool socks... This method is suitable even for winter shoes. It is enough to squeeze into the shoes in thick socks, and then heat them with a hairdryer. Then walk around the house in boots until she reaches the right size. Some craftsmen suggest wearing wet socks, but this is fraught with health problems.

A similar method works for patent leather shoes. Warm up the shoes from the inside with a hairdryer and immediately put them on a tight toe. However, be careful, because if you overexpose the hair dryer, the varnish will lose its shine. In addition, this procedure requires regular repetition.

Wet newspaper stuffing... Before stretching your shoes at home, steam the shoes, then stuff them with wet newspaper and leave them to dry completely. It is important that drying takes place naturally, without heating appliances. Otherwise, you risk deforming the products. If you exclude the use of boiling water from this method, it can be used to easily stretch suede and patent leather shoes.

Laundry soap... This simple remedy will help stretch your faux leather shoes and boots. Rub the inside of the product well with soap, after 5-6 hours, remove the remaining detergent with a damp sponge, put on socks and walk in the shoes until they are completely dry.

Ice packs... You will need 2 bags filled with water. They will need to be placed inside the shoe, which will then be placed in the freezer. Wait until the water freezes, then remove the steam and after the water melts a little, remove the bags. This method should not be used to stretch patent leather products.

Castor oil... Stretching with castor oil is also considered effective. With this tool, the shoes should be treated from the inside. Then you will have to walk in shoes for a while. The oil will soften the shoe, after which it should take the desired shape. True, the described method can hardly be called convenient. After it, you will need to thoroughly cleanse the shoes from oil.

Petrolatum... The named tool will help stretch leatherette shoes. Treat the product with it from the inside, and after 3 hours, remove the rest of the Vaseline with a napkin. Then walk in your shoes for about 30 minutes.

Corn... This method works well for those who want to stretch their shoes in the instep. Pour the prepared grain into the shoes, and then lightly cover it with liquid. During the night, the grain will swell and do its job. After pouring out the grain, wear leatherette products for about an hour.

Vinegar... To expand the boots, treat the inside with a 3% vinegar solution. This will help loosen the shoes that are pinching your toes. At the same time, outside it is treated with another means intended for stretching.

Paraffin... This is another gentle method that works for lacquered and suede shoes. Rub the inner surface of the shoes with paraffin and leave them in this state for 10-12 hours. You can also use potato skins in the same way.

How to stretch your shoes at home and not ruin them?

The ideal solution is to give a close pair to the workshop... Here it will be stretched with special pads. They are known to professionals as shoe stretchers - wooden blocks made to fit the shape and size of the foot. Such tools can be purchased at a specialized store.

If this is not possible, then the use of a special tool will no less quickly solve the problem. It is enough to purchase the desired spray and treat tight shoes with it. Then the shoes should be worn as long as the instructions say. You can even purchase a product designed for a specific material. For example, for nubuck it is easy to find a special stretching foam. If you are the proud owner of expensive branded shoes, carefully study all available recommendations for choosing a brand of spray.

For those who are seriously thinking about how to stretch shoes at home, a number of important nuances should be taken into account.

None of the above methods will expand the shoe in length, only in width.

After stretching, natural skin loses its natural grease. The skin can become brittle, so it is best to apply a special cream to the shoes. This is especially important if a hair dryer has been used to stretch.

Thin leather shoes require extremely careful handling. They cannot be frozen or boiled. The same goes for patent leather. If mishandled, it will lose its luster and crack.

Nubuck products require a special approach when stretching. For this material, neither fatty creams nor alcohol are suitable, since this will leave stains on the surface. It is best to just wear these shoes around the house. The properties of nubuck in most cases allow the shoe to wear out over time.

Using water to stretch your shoes, remember that it softens the leather, but if it dries incorrectly, it can ruin its texture. Water and suede are bad allies. On suede, water provokes the appearance of faded spots and generally spoils the material.

Don't rush to use harsh methods. Perhaps natural posting will suffice. Although this is the slowest, it is also the most efficient method. The shoes are deformed to the shape of the foot.

Keep in mind that your legs swell after lunch. This means that during this time you will most likely avoid buying too tight shoes.

Extreme stretching should be used only in case of urgency. If the task can be postponed, we stretch the shoes with the utmost care.

Shoes are a basic necessity, which is difficult for a modern person to do without. We all dream of a quality product that will serve us for a long time.

Often the purchased pair does not meet the comfort conditions due to the fact that it is too narrow. Fitting leather shoes to the right size is not difficult. It easily lends itself to any processing.

Stretching the skin at home

Leather products are easily stretched to the required size. However, this only applies to products made in compliance with all technologies.

Important! Before you start stretching things, remember that not all shoes will be able to accept and maintain their marketable appearance.

It should be borne in mind that shoes that are rubbed can be stretched only in width. Consider purchasing carefully if it does not fit your size.

Genuine Leather

We buy leather items for daily wear, but we notice discomfort only after constant use.

Sometimes there is no time left to take them to the workshop or try to carry them.

Therefore, many people think about how to fit shoes in a domestic environment. There are many ways that are highly effective.

The most practical way, which not everyone can trust, is to use polyethylene filled water... The bag is placed inside the shoes or boots. Try to avoid thin bags as they break quickly. The selected pair is placed for a certain time in freezer, the water should freeze. Frozen water stretches the product wide, and you do not waste time going to the workshop.

To change the shape of leather products, use boiling water... Steam is filled with hot water and left for 10 minutes. Then the water is poured out, and the shoes are then quickly worn out. The effect is strengthened by ordinary socks, which must be moistened in advance and worn until completely dry.

In addition to the above methods at home, you can try using g hot air... As a result, the item will become more comfortable. Use hair dryer to get the desired result.

Direct the air stream to where the shoes or boots rub. Wear your shoes for a few minutes. Repeat the event until the thing stops chafing.

In shoe pairs in which the leather is tightly glued, glue stains may form. Delete them with the usual eraser.

Important! Do not use cologne as the material may discolor.

A narrow pair can be stretched with mortar vinegar.

Before starting the treatment, apply a special stretcher.

The usual one will help to stretch the product. paraffin: Rub the inside of the shoes with a candle and leave for half a day, then remove the remaining wax. If the shoe is rubbing against the heel, then simply apply paraffin to that spot and get rid of this problem.

Artificial leather

Artificial leather shoes are a bargain. However, the joy of buying them can be replaced by the inconvenience that appears when trying to put on a pair.

If you want to fit artificial leather shoes to the necessary parameters so that it does not cause inconvenience, use the following recommendations in a domestic environment:

1) Find a special one in a shoe store spray for processing artificial leather. You will be able to soften your shoes and stretch them. Simply spray the product onto the surface of the pair of your choice.

2) The proven folk remedies will also help to bring the shoes to the required shape. For instance, alcohol helps to cope well with solving the problem. Buy pharmacy alcohol or use cologne.

Spread the product on the shoes and walk until they are completely dry. Be sure to wear socks on your feet. The practicality of this method lies in the fact that alcohol is applied only to places that cause inconvenience when wearing.

3) In the matter of stretching leather products, this option will also help: put in shoes wet newspapers and leave to dry completely. Repeat the event several times. The method is convenient because you do not have to wear shoes on yourself.

4) The most effective way to stretch artificial leather boots is hair dryer... Direct a jet of hot air towards the product until it heats up.

Put on a pair and walk around. Do not overdo it with warming up, as the shoes may become unusable.

5) It is recommended to use for changing the shape of shoes - water and a freezer. Fill a bag with water, place in your shoes and place in freezer... Only remove the steam when the water is frozen.

Important!Be careful: shoes made of artificial leather from low temperatures can crack.

6) Use laundry soap for stretching narrow shoes. It is generally accepted that soap softens the product.

Carry out the processing as follows. Mix the soap with water until it is pasty.

Apply the product inside the product for four hours. Remove with sponges... Wear with socks until completely dry.

Imitation leather (leatherette)

It is not an easy task to bring leatherette products to the desired shape. There is a risk of material damage during stretching.

As a result, the steam loses its presentation, and the period of its use is reduced to a minimum.

With a small run-up between foot and shoe sizes, it is recommended to use the following home stretching methods.

Newspapers... The easiest and most affordable option. Newspapers are distributed on sheets, moistened in water and filled with shoes. The product is left to dry, but without the use of heating devices.

When the steam is dry, it will take the desired shape. The procedure is repeated if necessary.

Alcohol... Alcohol-based products are used to stretch a specific area. Use a cloth soaked in alcohol when handling. Wipe down problem areas and put on.

Wear the item until it dries completely. Replace the alcohol with vinegar if needed. However, apply it only to the inside of the product. Additionally, use a special stretcher.

Castor oil... Suitable for returning the shape to dark-colored products, streaks will remain on light materials. Those places that cause inconvenience when wearing are treated with oil from the outside.

After that, they put on shoes or boots and wear them out. Remaining funds are collected napkin.

Important! Remember that oil stains are difficult to remove: weigh the risks beforehand.

Special means... Find the right finishing products in the shoe department. Follow the recommendations on the packaging. This will help you stretch tight shoes. Usually presented in the form sprays or foam.

Stretching products contain ingredients that create all conditions for stretching the product. There are professional pads... They are used to wear out treated shoes.

In a workshop

If you want to quickly shape your shoes, take them to a shoe shop.

Many craftsmen today use special devices that allow you to stretch the item in width and in the area of \u200b\u200bthe bootleg.

It is worth noting that even the rise can be adjusted. The experts will not help you stretch the length.

Special pads, which are adjustable in width with screws and are fixed to them clamps... As a result, the customer gets the desired result, and the shoes do not deteriorate, no matter how thin the skin is.

If you do not have the opportunity to take the shoes to the atelier, then you can bring them to the desired shape on your own. Online order the pads that are used by the masters, as well as buy a spray to stretch the product.

German company Bama produces products for stretching the skin, as well as leatherette.

The French firm Sapfir produces a stretcher Oke... The product makes the skin more elastic, making it easier to wear a pair. Available in two versions: 50 and 150 ml.

Products COLLONIL designed to fit the shoe to the desired size. The company assures that there are no negative consequences of using the product.
German manufacturer SOLITAIRE produces a spray of 50 ml for shoes and boots made of genuine leather. The tool works delicately, without harm to model products.
Spray can NIKI LINE suitable for all skin types. The product does not leave streaks. TAMARIS 4EVER allows you to soften the product, stretches the shoe under the influence of the heat of the foot

Foam DukeStretch suitable for leather and lacquerware. The product is available in a 100 ml jar.

SHOES TRETCH SALAMANDER - an inexpensive means for stretching a pair of shoes. Suitable for all skin types.

Is it possible to stretch the tops of boots

If you are wondering if your boots are possible, then the answer is yes.

Remember that you will hardly be able to stretch the stockings-boots in width.

Remember that you will not be able to pull out winter boots from leatherette in domestic conditions. The material will immediately deteriorate. Do not expect the procedure to take a little time: be patient.

Information. For the manufacture of shoes, elastic materials are usually not used. The desire to change the size of the bootleg only leads to divergence of the seams.

Iron... The easiest way to stretch women's boots in length. But it is used for a certain type of shoe. The skin on the product should not be thin. Not suitable for lacquered items.
The sequence of actions is as follows: place the shoes on the ironing board. The rag must be wet. We heat the iron and steam the thing through cheesecloth. Pull the softened shoes to the sides in the area of \u200b\u200bthe bootleg. We stretch the boots in the calf according to predetermined measurements.

Freezing... For delicate items, the following method is used. The bottom of the shoe, which will not be processed, is stuffed with paper.

A bag of water is placed at the top. The volume should correspond to the current thickness of the item. Tie the plastic, leaving free space inside.

Leave your shoes in the freezer. The water will expand and stretch the boot a little. If the boots need to be stretched another size, then repeat the procedure.

Delicate heating... The opposite method is used to stretch the shoe in instep. Suitable for all natural products. Where the shoes create the most discomfort, the hair dryer is used at full power.

Boots are put on their feet and worn out until they cool down.

If your shoes are tight

For the desired shape. The model and purpose of the shoe does not play any role in the choice of method for expanding the shoe.

Important!Remember that stretching the product indefinitely will not work - change the shape by a maximum of one size. Consider this when choosing a new pair.

A worn-out model is unlikely to be stretched. The material coarsens over time and is difficult to process.

However, if the shoes were not worn for long, then you can get down to business.

Towel... If your shoes are very tight and make you feel uncomfortable to wear, use the following method.

Take cloth napkin... Soak in water, squeeze and wrap around the product.

The skin will become softer. Remove the fabric, put on your shoes and walk in them. After a certain time, they will become freer.

Wipe the inside of the product, put it on your toes and walk around. After a while, the tight shoes will take on the size you want.

Wet socks... Proven method for stretching shoes. Slip on wet toes and walk around the house until they are completely dry.

Heating... If leather shoes rub your foot, then heating will help to bring them to the right size. Use a hair dryer and woolen socks. Put socks on your feet, then shoes. Direct a jet of hot air to the most problematic areas. Wait until the shoes are dry, that is, at least 15 minutes.

Newspapers... Tear the periodicals into pieces and moisten with water, fill the shoes with mass. Use as much material as possible. Dry the item without using heating devices. After a day, you will be able to freely wear a previously uncomfortable model.

Sprays... Use a special shoe softener. Spray the inside of the garment, put on your socks, and walk around in your shoes until they're dry.

When shoes are rubbed

When buying shoes, make sure that they do not cause inconvenience. Don't buy items that are too tight. Of course, if the boots are made of genuine leather, then over time they will take the desired shape.

If new boots make you feel uncomfortable, then use special stretchers.

Wear it on your toes and walk around the house. Handle shoes cream... If the steam is wetted, it spreads, but the material may be damaged.

If wearing a thing led to the formation of calluses on the leg, then buy in the shoe department silicone tabs and insert into your shoes.

You can wear shoes on top wet socks and walk until they are completely dry. After 20 minutes, they will be one size larger.

If the product rubs your foot, change insoles less thick. Use the tools at hand to stretch your boots:

What to do with tight sneakers?

Sneakers are an indispensable attribute for sports. They should be comfortable enough and consolidated.

How to quickly stretch eco-leather

A characteristic feature of eco-leather is pliability, that is, you can change the shape of the product mechanically. Anyone can do it on their own.

There are several proven methods for stretching shoes to the correct size. You can use:

Laundry soap... This will soften the material and stretch easily.

Proceed as follows: dilute the soap in water to a paste. Apply the product to problem areas. Leave it on for a while. 5-6 hours will be enough. Use a rag to collect any remaining solution.

Put on your socks and wear your shoes until they are completely dry.

Alcohol treatment... Alcohol usually softens eco-leather. At home, you can use cologne or vodka. Treat the product from the inside and put it on your feet when wet. Work until the item is dry. It is unlikely that these methods will work to stretch the shoes the first time, so repeat the procedures several times.

Experts recommend using professional products to fit products to size. I mean sprays. The best one is Salton promo:

Designed for processing natural leather, but also affects eco-leather. Spread it over the inner surface of the product. The product not only stretches the shoes, but also makes them more comfortable to wear.
The tool softens the material and also cleans the surface.
The principle of action of the spray is to stretch the material from which the shoes or boots are made.
In domestic conditions, you can use a special stretching block to make the product take the desired shape. You don't have to put shoes directly on your feet.

Conclusion

If you bought a popular model of shoes, but in the process of wearing it found out that it rubs your foot a lot, then do not despair.

You can adjust the product to the desired size yourself. To do this, use proven folk recommendations.

From the many options, you can choose the right one for your case. If none of the methods suits you, then feel free to give the thing to the shoe atelier.

Useful video

Below you can watch an informative video on how to stretch leather shoes.

Greetings, my dears!

We girls have our weaknesses. One of them may be the desire to be beautiful no matter what. Do you happen to buy some kind of beautiful dress, for which it is good to lose a couple of kg, but you cannot refuse it and carry a pleasant purchase home? Assuring yourself that for him you will go on a diet right from tomorrow. Well, well, it's good if you really throw off the excess and shine in this outfit, otherwise it often happens that the thing remains intact in the wardrobe.

The same thing happens with shoes. I have a friend whose weakness is shoe-making. If she sees something interesting in a shoe store, then at least seven of her will not help! Will buy up what is needed and not necessary. And if the coveted shoes are still on sale at a tempting discount, then everything is clear, it will definitely not pass by them.

This is typical for many of us, some more, some less. And just in this heat of shopping excitement it is easy to grab a "slightly out of place" pair.

You come home and find that the shoes are rubbing! There is good news! This is often quite fixable, unless, of course, you bought 36 for your 39. And just today we will discuss, if the shoes are tight, how to stretch them? I will tell you all the secrets that I know myself, and which that friend shared!

How to carry shoes if they are tight? There are several methods, let's look at them based on the material.

We pull the skin.

Genuine leather is perhaps the best material for shoes. Beautiful, soft, easy to fit products. And it is not difficult to stretch such shoes, even at home. You can safely add about half the size. You just need to wet your leather shoes and wear them indoors for a while.

Please, just do not soak your shoes or water them from a spray bottle - this can deteriorate the paint or the insole, and the product itself can lead.

A good way: take not very thick socks, dampen them with vodka or diluted 2 to 1 alcohol. Put on these wet socks and put on your shoes. Walk around the house for several hours. Then dry the steam.

If the result does not suit you very much, then simply repeat the procedure, but with less alcohol, i.e. make a vodka solution.

Attention! Shoes cannot be wiped with alcohol on top!

You can also use water, but to achieve the best effect, the temperature of the liquid, which we also wet the sock with, must be high, i.e. as tolerant as possible. You can even scald the product from the inside with boiling water first. Or blow them from the inside with a hairdryer in hot air mode. Well, then put on your socks. Be careful not to burn yourself!

A good result can also be achieved with vinegar. Wipe the inside of the product with a 3% solution and wear for a while. Should help!

What about suede?

Consider now what to do with suede shoes if they chafe. In general, this material wears out perfectly on its own, just walk around for a couple of days, and the shoes will calmly sit on your foot. But if you need to quickly increase their size, then choose the same "vodka" method that is suggested for leather goods.

Do not use water for these purposes, so that the product does not shed or become streaked!

A nuance: take a thin sock to wear, otherwise suede shoes may become too large and then dangle on your foot.

If the shoes are too tight, then it is best to use a special suede stretcher foam. It is sprayed only inside the product, on those places that rub the most, after which the shoes must also be worn with socks.

Important: do not use oily products for suede, because they leave streaks and spoil the material!

Even the varnish will succumb!

This is perhaps the most difficult material to wear. Firstly, such shoes are tough and in themselves difficult to deform, and secondly, if you overdo it with funds, then the varnish can crack. When deciding to purchase such products, choose a pair that is suitable in length and where your fingers are definitely free.

If you still have to stretch new patent shoes, then fat comes to the rescue. What you need to do: Take castor oil, petroleum jelly or glycerin, lubricate the inside and outside of your shoes and wear them on your toes. The material will soften and the product can stretch.

Leatherette, fabric and oilcloth - what to do with them?

Frankly speaking, it is almost impossible to carry shoes made of such material. The fact is that inexpensive artificial materials simply cannot withstand deformation and burst. Of course, you can try stretching these shoes with water, but the risk is too great that the color will fade and stains remain. It is best to use the "freeze" method, but more about it below.

Perhaps these are the main ways of wearing, but here is not the whole list. What are you doing? Tell us in the comments how else you can increase the size?

Contactless methods

Above, I talked about how you can quickly spread the shoes yourself, but there are also methods to stretch the shoes without wearing wet or alcohol-soaked socks.

Steaming.

Keep your shoes over the steam and then put the clumps of newspaper inside. Stack them as tightly and as large as possible, but try not to disturb the shape. Then we leave the shoes to dry in a dry place (but in no case near the battery!) For about a day.

The disadvantage of this method is that there may be a risk of divorce. And also, there is a possibility that after some time the product will dry out and begin to press even more.

Freezing.

Quite an unusual, but effective way to expand your shoes. Pour water into plastic bags (preferably with a special fastener) and insert them into the socks of the shoes. We put this pair in the freezer for a day. Freezing, the water will begin to expand and press on the walls of the shoe, thereby stretching it. After the allotted time, we take out the pair, remove the bags and let the shoes "come to their senses" in a dry place.

Partial wear

It often happens that the product fits well along the length, and the fingers are comfortable, but the back is too tight. How to deal with it:

Rub the back of your shoe with paraffin. In a day, you can forget about this problem.
Knead the back with a hammer. Tap this area very gently to soften it.

Before buying a new pair, it is worth remembering that you cannot carry:

Shoes for 2 or more sizes.
If the shoes are tight in the edging seam.
Products made from some artificial materials.

How a shoe shop can help

There is another way. Almost every shoe workshop has a shoe stretching service. Everything is simple, you say how much you need to increase, expand your shoes. Then the master looks at both the material and its quality, and if everything is real, then he puts them on special pieces. After a day or two, you pick them up and get the desired size.

Someone this method helps, someone does not. I applied for such a service a couple of times, but was not satisfied. In the first case, my shoes were outstretched, and in the second, I did not feel any changes at all and I still had to use my grandmother's method of distribution (on thick socks).

When buying new shoes, it is best to close your eyes and listen to the sensations - are you comfortable enough in length, width and instep. The product simply has to be comfortable, otherwise it can significantly worsen not only mood, but also health.

Wear only the right shoes and do not forget to share in the comments your own ways of how to quickly put the shoe on the leg!

Until next time on my blog,

Anastasia Smolinets

How to stretch shoes at home? After all, you, like most owners of a new, but cramped pair, had to look for an answer to this question? What helped in the end - ice, steam, newspapers, castor oil? We will tell you about the most popular ways to fit shoes, sneakers, boots to your feet.

How can you stretch your shoes

Even at home, professional products help us to stretch shoes. A wide range of foams and sprays are available to soften leather and help increase the size of tight shoes.

Each tool comes with instructions, following which you can achieve the desired result. Special stretching pads are also sold - in the shape of a foot, made of wood. Instead of wearing out the shoes on your own feet, you can use this last. The special construction of the last allows you to adjust its length and width.

Ways to stretch shoes

How to stretch a shoe depends mainly on the material it is made from. Leather shoes are the least problematic - they are more susceptible to all kinds of deformations.

How to stretch leather shoes - we offer several proven methods.

Ice stretch

If you have not tried this method before, it may seem quite exotic. But it is based on the laws of physics, and its action has already been tested by many. So, we recommend.

We put two plastic bags in a pair of tight shoes, where we pour water. You need to fill the bag with liquid so that there is water along the entire length, from the toe to the heel of the shoe. We tie the bags and put a pair of shoes in the freezer - preferably at night.

In the morning we take out the shoes, let them thaw, take out the bags and try on a pair.

Usually the stretching effect is achieved after the first freezing. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

This method is also suitable if you are faced with a problem of how to stretch your winter shoes.

And experts say that ice helps disinfect and prevent bad shoe odors.

Steam and boiling water

Ice and fire - how can you not remember this expression. In contrast to the "ice" method of stretching shoes, there is also the opposite - using heat. But - we warn you: only genuine leather is able to withstand the method of stretching with boiling water.

The method is somewhat extreme, but for those who are ready to try it, we will tell you how to do it: pour boiling water inside the pair, drain it, let the pair cool down a bit and put it on your feet. We walk with shoes on until the shoes get cold.

Another "hot" method is to hold a pair of shoes that require an increase in size over the spout of the kettle, in which the water has been boiled. Then put on shoes and walk around the apartment in these shoes or sneakers (depending on what you wear).

You can stretch the shoes to size, if they are made of leatherette, in this way: you need a powerful hairdryer, you can even use a construction one. We heat the inner surface of the shoe with a hairdryer, and in order not to melt the material, it is better to do this: put the damp cloth inside the shoe and then heat it up with a hairdryer (you get hot steam that will prevent the material from melting).

You need to walk around in heated shoes until it cools down. It was not possible to stretch a tight or narrow pair at a time - repeat the procedure.

If you suffer for a long time ...

In general, wearing tight shoes naturally is considered the best option. Especially if you are thinking about how to stretch suede shoes. They are softer and stretch faster than shoes made from other materials. A few evenings at home in a new suede pair can be enough to make the shoe feel comfortable and take the shape of your foot.

But the method, tried by many, how to stretch leather shoes at home (it is considered quite effective) - we use alcohol, vodka or cologne - we process our pair with something of the above means inside, put on socks, put on shoes and walk in the apartment for a couple of hours, wearing out the cramped footwear.

If you have shoes made of natural nubuck, which are a bit small, then you can walk around the apartment for a couple of hours every day, after applying a foam-stretcher for nubuck inside a pair and wearing thick socks.

How to stretch shoes one size larger - we bring to your attention a few more tips that people have tested on personal experience.

We use the softening method: we treat the inner surface of the shoe with one of the following means: petroleum jelly, glycerin, castor or vegetable oils. In an hour and a half, we put on our shoes and walk in close couples around the apartment - we wear them out. Better to do this for at least a couple of hours. If there is not enough time or patience, then we repeat the procedure several times.

By the way, a useful tip to note: if your shoes squeak when walking, then lubricate the sole with oil: vegetable or castor oil, and let it soak in before putting on a pair.

You can try soaking the inside of your shoes with vinegar and walking around the house. Helps if the couple presses on the fingers.

There is also such a method as using wet newspapers. You need to tightly fill a tight pair with them and wait until the filling is dry. You just need to make sure that the shape of the shoes is not damaged, and the pair should be dried under natural conditions, without overheating.

If you do not risk stretching the shoes yourself, then in the shoemaker's workshop you will be helped to do this using wood blocks. And if at home stretching new shoes in length is quite problematic, then professionals will be able to cope with the task.

Is it worth the risk?

You are now familiar with different ways to stretch shoes at home. But before deciding on such a step, consider a few important nuances:

There is always a risk of ruining a pair of shoes, and when you paid a lot of money for it, is there any point in taking risks?
If it is possible to exchange a tight pair, just hand it back to the store - wouldn't it be better to do so?
Have you decided to stretch the shoes yourself? Start with more gentle methods - regular wear, if it doesn't work, try more radical ones.
Do not forget that suede shoes stretch faster, while nubuck shoes are very sensitive to impact and require a careful approach. Lacquer vapor often cracks from temperature changes.
Some plastics cannot be stretched.

When choosing a way to stretch shoes at home, consider the recommendations and experience of knowledgeable people. And when making family purchases, choose your shoes, boots and sneakers carefully and slowly. It's better to spend time trying on rather than passing tight shoes.

Take it for yourself, tell your friends!

Alcohol solution

The most popular method has helped hundreds of thousands of women - now it's up to you!

Wipe the inside of your shoes with alcohol, cologne, or vodka diluted with water. The outer surface of the pair can be processed in the same way.
Put on thick cotton socks.
Walk around the house for at least two hours.

You can treat the entire shoe or only those areas that cause discomfort.

Castor oil

A simple oil - castor or sunflower oil - will help to carry new shoes. An analogue to them can be cosmetic petroleum jelly.

Take any product and anoint your shoes well, both outside and inside.
It remains only to put on socks (preferably old ones) and walk around the apartment for 3 hours.
At the end of the specified period, wipe off the remaining oil.

In this way, you can stretch shoes made of artificial or natural leather.

Hot water

The cheapest option that can soften the skin and expand it a little.

Pour very hot water into the middle of your shoes or leather trainers.
After a few minutes, drain it and let the shoe cool slightly.
Put shoes on socks and wear until they dry.

You can also wrap your shoes in a cotton cloth dipped in boiling water. After about half an hour, remove the material and lubricate the skin with any oil. Leave for a whole day.

Another good tip is to soak warm socks in very hot water, put them on and put on your shoes. Walk around the apartment for half an hour.

Newspapers

The old proven way! If your shoes are tight in your toes, soak newspapers with water and push them into your socks (meaning the socks of your shoes). Push in very tightly - the final effect depends on this. But be very careful, follow the original shape. Wait until the paper is completely dry (it takes a day) and wear worn-out shoes!

Freezing

How to carry tight shoes? Try to freeze it!

Pour water into new plastic bags.
Tie them well and check for leaks.
Place the bags on the shoes.
Wrap them in newspaper and put them in the freezer - the liquid expands when freezing, so your shoes will be a little looser.

Laundry soap

You can use soap to spread tight shoes. They just need to rub their shoes before going outside. Soap reduces friction and prevents calluses. Do this until the last stretches and feels comfortable.

Hair dryer

Use a hair dryer to quickly blow out your shoes.

Put on warm socks and the right shoes on top.
Turn on the hair dryer on hot mode and warm up especially narrow places for 10 minutes.
Walk around for a quarter of an hour.
Heat your shoes again with a hairdryer if necessary.

Grain or groats

This method has been known since the days of cowboys!

Pour groats into your shoes that swell when wet.
Cover it with water and leave it overnight.
Drain the groats and wipe the shoes with a rag.

Vinegar or kerosene

To achieve the result, soak a close steam with a solution of 3% vinegar or pure kerosene. It helps a lot, especially if it squeezes in the toes and toes.

Candle paraffin

If there is paraffin in the house, feel free to use it! Wipe the inside of the shoe and leave it overnight, and in the morning scrub the paraffin wax with a brush.

If you are unable to stretch tight shoes at home, contact a workshop. There are special devices for these purposes. You can also buy a stretch shoe from the store and spray it immediately on the inside of your shoes. After that, they put on the shoes and wait until they dry out.